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Things to do 4th of July Weekend in New York City, Festivals, Fireworks and Fun: July 3 - July 4, 2010

6/30/10 - By Stephanie Ogozalek

Happy 4th of July! The highlight this weekend no matter where you are is of course - fireworks. In New York City there is the huge annual fireworks spectacular courtesy of Macy’s and if you plan on taking it in make sure to read our post on where to get the best view of the show.  We also have the scoop on the best fireworks displays on Long Island and in New Jersey.  

If you are staying in town this weekend, don’t fret, you don’t need a backyard or beach house to have a lot of fun, there are festive, patriotic and Americana events going on all around town. Dan Zanes is performing a concert in Battery Park where the audience can join in on the big brass parade finale (bring your own horn!) There are fireworks and live music from the Staten Island Philharmonic on Staten Island and an ecologically correct sand castle contest in Coney Island. While you are out on Coney Island don’t forget to check out the other annual 4th of July event – the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest.

This is also the first weekend of July which means many area museums are offering free admissions and special programming during select times. And for many of us it is a three day weekend so you may be looking for something to do on Monday, check out our Summer Fun Guide or  100 Free Things to do this Summer for some awesome ideas.   

Happy 4th of July!  Have a great one.

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Friday July 2, 2010  

Raising Citizens: Independence Day Program – Upper West Side There are a lot of hands on activities here throughout the weekend giving children the opportunity to explore the American Dream – life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, but Friday has the most going on. The weekend kicks off for free on Friday night with families piecing together a red, white and blue paper quilt (the best of which will be featured on CMOMs website), a patriotic sing along with Louie Mirenda and a reading and signing of the book Tar Beach by artist Faith Ringold.  FREE

 
All Weekend
 
Declare Independence—Prospect Park
Through Sunday, get in the spirit at the Lefferts Historic House by creating an old fashioned feathered hat and signing a replica of the Declaration of Independence. FREE
 
Eagle as Icon – Prospect Park
Learn all about the Bald Eagle and why it is our countries most recognized icon through crafts and an interesting presentation. FREE 
 
 
Saturday, July 3, 2010
 
Celebrate our countries independence with a special story time celebrating the diversity of the USA. FREE
 
Patriotic Picture Books – Midtown East
Listen to the staffers of the main children’s room read patriotic Fourth of July related stories aloud.  FREE
 
Bring your own pole or borrow one from the nature center on site to fish and learn about the fish that call this park home.  FREE
 
Salute to the USA – Staten Island
Visit this historic building on the waterfront for a concert of patriotic songs including some from the 18th Century performed by the Staten Island Philharmonic and Helluva Choir. FREE
 
 
Sunday, July 4, 2010
 
Enjoy an al fresco performance in Wolfes Pond Park of the US Army Band capped off by an exciting fireworks show.  FREE
 
Bring your brass instruments to this one!  It is the chance we all have been waiting for – joining in with our kids favorite rock star! First enjoy the live show by Dan Zanes and Friends while being entertained by roving stilt walkers, jugglers and more. Then join in on the big parade finale.  Dan Zanes will lead the parade of concert goers and everyone will play “76 Trombones” together.  You can download the sheet music here to get ready for the big event.
 
Eco Sandcastle Contest – Coney Island
Learn how to build a sandcastle with natural and recycled materials.  Prizes will be given out by the Urban Park Rangers. FREE
 
Party like it is1776 at this annual celebration! Enter the pie contest or take in a pie baking demo.  Churn some ice cream or take part in the old time pinwheel parade. $5.00 for adults/$3.50 kids
 
Monday, July 5, 2010
 
Freedom Strut – Prospect Park
July 4th also marks the 183rd anniversary of slavery being abolished in New York State and for many years July 5th was a huge day of celebration in our state. Help bring that tradition back with a fun and festive day to mark this important occasion.  Join in outdoor crafts and clothing decoration (something that was done back then), hear tales of the days of slavery and join in on the freedom strut, a loud and proud march reminiscent of the early days of free African Americans in New York. FREE
 
Outside of NYC:
 

If you are Jersey or Pennsylvania bound, check out the Battleship Blast going on in Camden's Waterfront area. Climb aboud Battleship NJ where they will have animals from the Philadelphia Zoo, face painting and an awesome view of the fireworks.  Advance purchase recommended by calling 866-877-6262 although tickets should be available up until 9:30pm on Saturday at the ticket office. $10 per person.

Those of you headed to Long Island may want to visit the beautiful Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium in Centerport while they are hosting their annual Vanderfest.  Join in on living history tours, period games from the 1930s plus food, hayrides, face painting and arts and crafts for kids.  Plus stay on site to watch the fireworks from neighboring villages. Admission is $7 for adults and  $3 for children 12 and under. Fireworks only admission is $5.

 

Still looking for something to do? This is just a sample of the events you can find in our  calendar .
 
If you are planning an event, don’t forget to let us know.  Enter it into our calendar.
 
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